ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Robin Hill - Biography

Robin Hill was born in Yorkshire, England. He started to play the guitar at the age of 10 and later studied with the eminent Venezuelan guitarist, Alirio Diaz.In the late 1970s Robin met fellow guitarist, Peter Wiltschinsky and, together, in 1973, they formed the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo, a highly successful partnership with a vast archive of recordings (they recorded for Teldec Classics, Hyperion (debut album), ASV, RCA, Erato, Telstar, IMP Classics, Carlton Classics, Warner Bros. and many more. The duo have made numerous radio and television broadcasts and have toured extensively worldwide.In 1997, Robin performed Joaquin Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez' with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (under Carl Davis) to an audience of three thousand. The same year Robin also gave the premiere of his own 'Concerto Primavera' with the same orchestra under the conductor, Ian Tracey. He has to date composed four other concertos - three for guitar and one for piano. Robin gave the UK premiere of Claude Bolling's 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano Trio', a work he has also recorded with his quartet, Eklectica.Robin has collaborated with artists as diverse as Luciano Pavarotti, soprano Lesley Garrett, tenor Russell Watson, American soprano Denise Greaves (at the Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Philharmonic) to British rock bands Deep Purple and Jethro Tull and he has toured extensively with the American jazz/soul singer, Madeline Bell.He has been teaching classical guitar students at Leeds University since 2005 and his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium' is used in conservatories throughout the world. Robin's musical travels constantly take him all over the world. Robin plays three different guitars on this recording: Miguel Rodriguez 1980, Miguel Rodriguez 1976 and a Manuel Reyes 1963.

"Wonderful for precision, touch and virtuosity, the result of a long interpretive process."Il Giornale D'Italia Italy

Izzy Cooper - Biography

Whilst still a student at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Isobel Cooper better known as Izzy, was signed by Decca Records to make her debut album ‘Libera Me’ recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. She pioneered the classics in a fresh and innovative way working with producer Craig Leon who has also worked with Pavarotti, Sting, Andreas Scholl, Joshua Bell and many others. ‘Libera Me’ made number one in both the UK and Japanese Classical Charts and led Isobel to be nominated for ‘Best Female Artist’ in the Classical Brit Awards. Isobel then signed to Virgin’s Venture label to record ‘Ascolta’ & ‘New Dawn’. Both albums reached No.1in the Classical Charts worldwide and she became an International star with top ten albums in Scandinavia, Portugal as well as repeating her No.1 classical position in the UK and the Far East where she achieved her biggest following performing in live concerts, TV and Radio. The USA released a compilation CD entitled ‘Izzy’ and Isobel was invited to perform at the Crystal Cathedral in Los Angeles for a network TV transmission with a 20 million anticipated audience.She teamed up with U.S chart topping tenor Daniel Rodriquez and recorded ‘The Prayer’also featured on both their albums. One of the most fascinating aspects of Isobel’s work is her modernization and interpretation of classical English folk music. Her video of ‘My Love is Like a Red Red Rose’ remains one of the most played videos on U.K Classic FM TV radio to this day.As well as being invited to sing at the Rugby League Cup Final at Twickenham to an audience of 78,000, Isobel was invited by Bryan Ferry to be his supporting act for his stately Homes Tour where she proved to be an immediate success. She has also appeared at the Royal Albert Hall for a special BBC television series; ‘Songs of Praise’ hosted by Aled Jones and made regular appearances in the ITV Christmas Eve Specials with other British classical artists such as Charlotte Church, Hayley Westera and Russell Watson.At the beginning of 2004, Isobel performed at the opening ceremony of Expo in Nagoya/Japan, the theme based on arts, culture and world peace and over the course of the release of her albums, Isobel’s work has been heard by additional millions of listeners as the synch music for many world wide released feature films, video games and adverts. As a result of Isobel’s overall success, her music has now been embraced as a new force in the ‘healing music’ market for its spiritual and relaxing qualities.

"Virgin Venture has developed a clear strategy that distinguishes Izzy as a mould-breaking artist capable of overstepping musical boundaries." Classic FM

"Midway between Lesley Garrett and Kiri Te Kanawa, Izzy has a beautiful soprano voice. It is full, winsome, securely produced and capable of genuine light and shade. Izzy can sing. The point is worth emphasising, because there are plenty of artists exploring the crossover scene who cant." HMV Choice

"Izzy is a classically trained soprano. She blends shades of opera with pop-diva style. She's Izzy: Hard to define - and even harder to turn off." Marie Claire

Izzy & Robin would like to express their very sincere gratitude: First: To all their individual fans throughout the world who have through their loyalty and kindness made it all worthwhile and inspired them to come together to share their unique and giftedtalents.Izzy would like to make a special mention to her new musical partner and friend, Robin Hill:

"The moment Robin and I met and shared the stage together our passion for music connected instantly and artistic relationship grew. Little did we know that this new relationship would develop into greater things and thanks to our recent success in live concerts performed around the world, it has inspired us to create this intimate vocal/guitar album entitled ‘Cancion’.Robin you are truly a joy to work with. Not only for your obvious talent and exquisite skills but for your endearing warm nature, kind sincerity and above all fabulous sense of humor! Thank you for coming into my life, believing in me, the music and the end result.Together, I believe this is just the start of an exciting musical journey ahead and I look forward to what is to follow."

A few words from Robin about Izzy:

"The first time I met Izzy I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed in her presence and the more we talked the more we seemed to have in common, both musically and otherwise. I have always loved the soprano voice and have listened widely to it for many years. On hearing Izzy sing I knew she possessed a very special, unique and powerful quality beyond many I have heard. I shall always remember the first occasion that we performed together on stage, as time literally seemed to stand still as we both became absorbed in the music. It is very rare for a musical collaboration to produce such a powerful synergy so when it does occur it is a very special moment for both musicians. This connection has continued throughout many further performances and occurs so naturally that I feel many more will follow.'Cancion' has been a delight to record and not just on a musical level. Between intense musical sessions there was much laughter and happiness. I hope that this is reflected in the music and that this will be the first of many more recordings.

Izzy & Robin would finally like to thank their nearest and dearest; Izzy's love of her life, fiancé Neil and Robin's family, his wife Anna, for all her hard work on this album, and their two sons Oliver and Felix.We thank you all for your dedicated nurturing and loving support.

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